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What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

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Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process.. Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

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Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…

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Cannabis Oil Cbd

The CBD oil buzz: Why it’s used in beauty products

By Helena Biggs | 18 April 2019

Cannabis plant oils are growing in popularity in the beauty sector – but are you clear on their strains and benefits? From hemp seed oil to CBD, let’s clear things up. Cannabis is a plant family with two primary classifications; indica and sativa, and cannabis plants contain a variety of…

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Navy Pro Tools

Taking care of your pedi tools

By Kat Hill | 16 April 2019

Rebecca Crawforth, of Navy Professional, shares her tips for selecting and maintaining the nail tools in your tekking kit… “Invest in your tools and products,” explains Rebecca Crawforth, owner of Navy Professional. “Jobs should be carried out using equipment which makes you feel confident. Scrap cheaper alternatives and invest in…

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Why you should offer one stroke services

By Sophie Nutt | 11 April 2019

The sweep of a brush over a nail creating a tonal, delicate creation is mesmerising for the client and a joy to perform for the tech. Striking and a visual feast for the eyes, the blended nature of one stroke and aquarelle designs easily capture attention and creates a talking…

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Newton Wood Epsom Salt

Why add salts to your pedi soaks

By Kat Hill | 6 April 2019

Pedi season is here! Here, Anu Jarvinen, of Newton Wood shares the benefits of incorporating soaks infused with salts into your service… “Start your pedicure with a proper long soak. I would recommend Newton Wood Epsom Salt crystals to create a luxurious, health and therapeutic soak. “You could also add essential oils…

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Metta Francis Eatow

Why it’s important to attend beauty industry events

By Metta Francis | 4 April 2019

A nail professional is constantly seeking information about upcoming nail trends and innovations. It’s equally – if not more – important to keep your industry knowledge and business skills up-to-date to ensure longevity in your career. Attending workshops and events is a fantastic learning and networking opportunity and also contributes…

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How to create fashion week nail art trends in the salon

By Sophie Nutt | 4 April 2019

Helena Linsky, co-director at Q61 Nail and Beauty Studio, reveals her top nail trends for spring/summer 2019 as seen at fashion week and tips on how to incorporate them into salon life. GILT TRIP Rodarte kicked off the bacofoil-effect trend, with models at its Spring/Summer ‘19 Fashion Week show sporting…

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